Advice and money
Our expert team is your first stop for any questions about your financial journey as a student here.
We offer individual support to students via appointments and enquiries, as well as representing students on the national landscape of student finance issues in higher education.
Our team works closely with our professional body, the National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA), to help contribute to improve funding systems through responding to consultations and to promote financial wellbeing to all students.
How our team can help you
We offer comprehensive support to prospective students and current students at Cardiff University, including:
Financial guidance and support
This includes:
- up-to-date information, advice, and guidance on all student funding and finance matters. You can access this through individual appointments, group presentations, and our online resources, whether you're a prospective or current student
- the Cardiff University Bursary scheme and the Money Support Fund (our hardship fund, available to enrolled students)
- bespoke sessions to help you manage your money effectively
- liaison with funding providers on your behalf, for example, if you're experiencing problems with your funding
- practical support regarding funding options, if personal or health circumstances affect your course
- research onrelevant scholarships, bursaries, and grants, and help students apply for external charitable grants applicable to Cardiff University students
Advocacy and engagement
This includes:
- liaison with the Welsh Government, Student Loan Company, and other funding bodies to challenge regulations and policy where appropriate
- contribution to the development and delivery of national campaigns, such as National Student Money Week
- We deliver training sessions based on best practice to colleagues across the UK
- representation for student finance issues across Wales and the UK, sitting on committees in senior board roles, including NASMA and Class Cymru
- engagement with and contribution to student funding-related government consultations
Specialised services and partnerships
This includes:
- our Together at Cardiff service, providing advice and support to care-experienced, estranged, military-experienced, carers, and asylum seekers, assisting them before, during, and after university
- a Financial Wellbeing Group that works with the Student Union on relevant activities to promote financial wellbeing
- collaboration with student interns to enhance our services and communications for students
Student visa support
If you’re an international student, we provide bespoke guidance and information to support you in settling into life in Cardiff.
This includes:
- induction events and activities to help international students settle into life at Cardiff University and the UK more generally
- UKVI immigration rules/conditions on your Student Visa (Tier 4 (General) and Short Term study visa), including the implications of making a change to study (eg, withdrawal, interruption of study, transfer)
- EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and EU student visa options post Brexit
- submitting visa extension applications for students and their dependants
- immigration rules for working in the UK during your studies
- visiting Schengen countries
- post-study work visa options are available to international students
Where to find us
We are based in the Centre for Student Life (Cathays Campus).
Our friendly team offers both in-person and online support, and we have bookable appointments available during weekdays to help support you and provide free and impartial advice.
Appointments can be booked via the Student Connect Portal.
Get in touch
Student Connect
For help with US federal loans, please contact:
